Microsoft retiring Zune services

There was a time when Microsoft tried really hard to usurp Apple’s dominance in portable music players and challenge the popularity of the iTunes Store. The Zune devices and services were a gallant but failed attempt to become players in the music business.

Now, we have the news that on 15 November 2015 Microsoft will be officially retiring Zune services.

You will no longer be able to stream or download content to your device from the Zune music service. However, Zune devices will still function as music players and any MP3 content that you own on the Zune device will remain there. You’ll also be able to transfer music to and from your Zune player.

If you’re holding a Zune Misic Pass, this will be overrated to a Groove Music Pass subscription. Microsoft says the Groove Music pass is a new version of the Zune and Xbox music passes.

Interestingly, DRM-protected content may not play if the license can’t be renewed.